by Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi*

The president of Caritas Asia talks to AsiaNews about the revolution desired by the Abe government, which effectively eliminates the pacifism of the Japanese Constitution. "It made me sad most of all to see the absence of moral principles among our politicians. We hope that they learn from the events of recent days to listen humbly to the voice of the people".

Niigata (AsiaNews) - At first light this morning (local time), the upper house of the Japanese Diet passed the bill amending Article 9 of the Constitution abolishing the country’s historic pacifism, until now enshrined in the post war charter. Thus, Japan has approved the possibility of having an army and of using it for military purposes outside the national territory. Previously the national army was used for the purpose of defense. Passed in July in the lower house, the law was approved by 148 votes in favor and 90 against. For months, the constitutional amendment  has been at the center of bitter protests among the population. Below the comment that the Bishop of Niigata, Msgr. Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi sent to AsiaNews.

It is not the end of our effort to establish real peace, peace of God, in this country even though the upper house of the Japanese parliament (the Diet) voted in favour of the government proposed security bills today.
 
Yes, Japan has made historical change of direction in its national security policy since the end of WWII. So it is really sad day today. But, at the same time, we all knew this might come soon or later as the present government has very strong majority in both house of the Diet.
 
What made me sad while observing the debate on the bills in the parliament was absence of moral principle among our politicians while talking about the issue related to human life. Based on my experiences as a missionary in Africa and also as a Caritas Japan coordinator, I do understand that Church should not be naive to the reality of international politics and national security issues.

However, at the same time, Church should not be intimidated by these realities to manifest moral principles based on the faith. Human life is at stake. It is not only matter of protecting human life of "our country" but also caring for entire human beings. Church has to speak up whenever there is any slight possibility in the political system to disregard or deny dignity of human life.
 
So we will continue to raise our voices to remind our political leaders and general public that most important issue is protection of life, caring for entire creation and not how to fight.
 
We witnessed so many people in all age groups joined public demonstration in front of the Diet building for weeks. Such demonstrations were very rare in Japan. I hope people will continue to pay attention to future moves and decisions of the government in peace issue and not to hesitate to raise voices so that our leaders would be much more humble to listen to the voices of people.
 
* Bishop Isao Kikuchi, SVD

 

• JAPAN
• MILITARY
• LAW
• CONSTITUTION
• PACIFISM
• CHURCH
• POLITICS
• SOCIETY